Recent Posts
Chicago Bands at Lollapalooza, 2013
by Brynn J. Alexander Although Lollapalooza has brought musicians and fans from all over the world to Grant Park since 2005, a surprisingly small number of those musicians actually hail from Chicago. Now that this year’s lineup for the festival has been announced, it turns out there are six acts from Chicago, and with a range of genres from hip-hop to indie to experimental rock, there’s... [Read more]
Jenny Dragon: Chicago’s Gypsy-Jazz, Folk-ish Band
Jenny Dragon recorded their debut album, A Fair Souvenir, at Hi-Style Recording Studio in Chicago on vintage gear dating from the 1940s-1960s. Plenty of information alone to give it a full spin, in my book. But I’ll give you more reasons. All native Chicagoans, they are not. Just one. And maybe that’s why the blues are just a newt’s eye in the brew. No, The Dragons come from all over... [Read more]
New Chicago Record Release: Two Star
Here in Chicago, it’s sometimes best to immerse yourself in long, dark winters. To embrace them, rather than fight it. Kind of like the process of getting over a breakup. And that’s where bands like Death Cab, Bright Eyes, The Postal Service, and Chicago’s Two Star—who just released their debut album Lover, Our Lips Have Left Us—come to help get us through. Two Star is Justen Hamilton (Guitar/Vocals);... [Read more]
5 Rocking Christmas Songs
This year, in stores and coffee shops, I’ve been hearing a lot of Barbara Streisand’s Jingle Bells–hands-down the worst Christmas song of all time. So that put me on a quest to find some rocking Christmas songs to try to erase Ms. Streisand’s abomination from my seasonally fragile mind. Here it is. I recommend some or all of them make it into your holiday rotation, for the sake... [Read more]
You Can See The Music!
Certain music can make you feel a certain way. I suppose it’s why we find ourselves attracted to solemn music when we are blue, and upbeat music when we are happy. You might listen to some music to stay in a good mood, or switch it up to get yourself out of a foul mood. But what if you could actually see how music makes you feel? That’s the idea behind eMusic’s Aura project, according... [Read more]
Duo del Sol: It’s Finger-picking Good
by Nate O’Neil, special contributor. Latin folk? Experimental classical? It’s hard to assign a genre to the LA-based Duo Del Sol. But we’re not picky around here. If it’s good, we’ll go with it. The band consists of Chicago native Tom Farrell on guitar and Montevideo, Uruguay native Javier Orman on the violin. For most of their debut EP, Mira, Farrell and Orman play polyphonically... [Read more]
New Music Review: The Heart Pills
Have you ever heard of tin can folk punk music? No? We didn’t either, until The Heart Pills came calling. Now we can say that we not only know all about it, but we like it. A lot. The Heart Pills hail from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Which is curious because it’s not a place you might normally associate with folk or punk. Tin cans, maybe. Nonetheless, they just released their debut album, “To... [Read more]
The Shams Band: A July Residency at Schuba’s
With all its history of greatness, you’d figure it takes a pretty special band to book a month-long residency at Schuba’s. Local favorites The Shams Band have done just that, in support of their sophomore album, Cold City. The festivities kicked off last night, with backing from Shovel & Rope and Jeremy David Miller, and continues next Monday, July 16. The Shams Band, if you’re... [Read more]
Check out Nashville’s Buffalo Clover
If you heard that Buffalo Clover hailed from Nashville, you’d probably expect some country twang when you hit that play button. And you’d be right. Sort of. What’s most intriguing about Buffalo Clover is its intricate blend of varied sounds and genres that permeate the entirety of their latest release, Low Down Time, often throughout the same track. You’ll hear some blues and... [Read more]
Ticket Giveaway: Keane in Chicago, at The Vic
Keane is coming to Chicago, and you could see them for free! Fresh off their latest release, Strangeland, Keane will hit up The Vic on June 22. Earlier shows in the UK have been selling out, so it’s shaping up to be a good tour. To enter to win your free pair of tickets, head over to our partners at Chicago’s weekly newsletter, Windy City Weekly, and sign up for the free email newsletter.... [Read more]
Ticket Giveaway Time: The Avett Brothers!
We could hardly think of a better way to spend a fall evening than with The Avett Brothers, at Chicago’s Northerly Island. So that’s where we’re headed, on Friday September 28. And you too, if you’re chosen as the lucky winner of two free tickets to see them! To enter to win, visit our partners at Windy City Weekly (http://windycityweekly.com) and subscribe to receive the weekly... [Read more]
Adam Yauch: 1964-2012
Adam Yauch and the Beastie Boys changed my life and how I listen to music, forever. I’ve forged entire friendships around the Beastie Boys. When I think of MCA this is how I see him, and how I’ll remember him. One. Cool. Cat. RIP. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhqyZeUlE8U&ob=av3e[/youtube] Share on Facebook Read More →
House of Blows
Tuesday night, we strolled into House of Blues–one of my favorite music venues in Chicago. The incense-laden air. The crazy shit on the walls. The soaring balconies. The intimate space. And, of course, the acoustics. We got there a little early to enjoy it all, and to get a good spot. As I handed over my ticket, I grumbled about the “convenience” charge. Nine dollars–50 cents... [Read more]
Morrissey’s Nov. 10 Chicago Show Postponed
According to an official press release, Morrissey has postponed his Nov. 10 Chicago show at the Congress Theater. The show has been rescheduled for Dec. 17, and the November tickets will be honored. Why the postponement? According to the release: “Due to a visa administration error, Morrissey’s lead guitarist is unable to perform in the US this week. Thursday’s sold out concert at the Congress... [Read more]
Jeff Beck at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago
by Tony Stec It’s funny to think that guitar heroes have their own guitar heroes. But for Jeff Beck, this was a throwback show; homage to some of his old favorites. For the days leading up to this concert, I really had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that he’s a legend and I needed to be there to witness it for myself. Beck’s resume is arguably one of the most impressive in the... [Read more]
Willie Nelson Concert Photos and Notes
When a living legend comes to town it’s an easy decision to buy a ticket. That was the case on Friday, when Willie Nelson came to Chicago’s Chicago Theatre. Below are a few excellent photographs of Willie from the show. But first, a few observations. Willie can bring it. I was pleasantly surprised that Willie still has chops on the guitar. I’m no Willie Nelson expert but I had no... [Read more]
Amos Lee Ticket Giveaway!
Here we go, time for another Sound Citizen ticket giveaway! This time it’s Amos Lee, who is playing at the Vic Theatre in Chicago on Saturday, March 26. Lee, a quickly rising star, is touring on his new album, Mission Bell. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard album chart in January of this year. It’s going to be a great show, and you can go — for free. To enter to win, simply “Like”... [Read more]
The Pogues’ “A Parting Glass Tour” Hits Chicago
By Sean Sweeney (Set list and video below.) It took a long time for me to see a Pogues concert. Thirty-some-odd years, actually. But it was an experience that was well worth the wait. And I use the word “experience” because, frankly, I have no more appropriate way to describe this show. A forever-feeling 60 minutes after opening band Titus Androgynous completed their set, the crowd of mostly... [Read more]
2011 Pitchfork Festival Lineup Announced
Yep, it’s that time again — concert festival time. In Chicago, one of the highlights is Pitchfork, which takes place July 15-17 at Chicago’s Union Park. The lineup is out — or at least part of it — and so far it looks like another strong showing. Fleet Foxes will breeze into the windy city on the heels of their latest record and will share time with Animal Colective (who... [Read more]
Lollapalooza 2011 Headliners Announced
According to Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune, and citing “reliable industry sources,” Lollapalooza 2011 will feature headliners Eminem, Foo Fighters and Muse. A pretty good start, so far. Eminem might be 2011′s top entertainer, when all is said and done; Foo Fighters will be playing off a new album and always have energy to spare; and Muse, while I’m frequently underwhelmed... [Read more]
The White Stripes Officially Break Up. For Good.
It’s one hell of a sad day in rock and roll. The White Stripes are officially over. Broken up. For good. The main reason, according to their website, is this: “It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve What is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.” What a terrible day. This is posted on their website: The White Stripes would like to announce that... [Read more]
A Sound We Like: The Shams Band
The Shams Band are moving up in the Chicago music scene, and you have a chance to see them on the way — this Thursday, January 27, at Lincoln Hall. The Shams Band play an eclectic style of music that incorporates blues, folk, rock and even a little big band to create a unique but authentic sound that’s hard not to play over in your head long after hearing them for the first time. You might... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 18: Gigmaven Launch Party
This week on Sound Citizen Radio we preview the Gigmaven coming out party with four great Chicago bands. Gigmaven comes to Chicago with a service that helps local bands book shows at various venues in the city – a valuable service to artists of all kinds. Gigmaven, in association with HEAVE Media, is putting on a show January 6 at Subterranean to celebrate their launch. On the lineup are four... [Read more]
Review: The Black Keys, New Year’s Day 2011
The Black Keys just wrapped up a three-day Chicago set spanning New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, in what is becoming an annual tradition. For the second year in a row, we attended, this year the New Year’s Day show at Aragon Ballroom. I must admit, I was worried when The Black Keys latest album, Brothers, was released. I selfishly (and privately) felt that they might destroy the... [Read more]
Have a Listen: Elephant Quiz
One of the most exciting parts of reviewing music is coming across something fresh … something unexpected. It’s what keeps me tuned up. And that’s what I got with Elephant Quiz. This Bloomington, Indiana band might best be described through their own their list of influences: Rage Against the Machine, Umphrey’s McGee, Radiohead, Gorillaz, Sublime, The Meters … the list goes... [Read more]
Pearl Jam to Host Their Own Music Fest
Pearl Jam has been tagging along on music festival tours for parts of three decades. I guess they figured it was time to get their own. Announced by Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis, Pearl Jam will host their own music festival “somewhere in the middle of the U.S.” But don’t expect it too soon — Eddie Vedder is set to embark on a solo tour in March, 2011. As for possible locations,... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 17: Chicago Bluegrass & Blues
This week on Sound Citizen Radio, we feature one band you can find at the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival, as well as two other Chicago bands and one from Long Beach, CA. They’re all good and, hopefully, you get a chance to get out and see them. If you have suggestions for future episodes of Sound Citizen Radio, please send an email. This week’s lineup: Van Ghost, “Heartbroken... [Read more]
Ticket Giveaway Time!
It’s that time … ticket giveaway time! This Wednesday, November 10, Dawes plays Lincoln Hall and we’re here to set you up. This is a great band, perfect for a setting like Lincoln Hall. Ever since we first discovered Dawes and played them on Sound Citizen Radio, we’ve been big fans and waited for them to hit our fair city. If you are not yet familiar, listen to Dawes right here.... [Read more]
Young Jesus Needs Your Vote!
An independent, original Chicago band needs your help. Young Jesus has been fortunate enough to have been selected to participate in Red Bull’s Rock the Route – a one-week tour down famous Route 66 where the bands challenge each other on and off the stage. The last stop is tomorrow, Friday, November 5 at the Viper Room in LA. But you don’t have to be there to help Chicago’s... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 16: Don’t Call it a Comeback
This week we bring five great bands all playing Chicago concerts in November. You won’t want to miss this podcast or any of these shows. It’s been a while since our last broadcast of Sound Citizen Radio, but we’re back. Thanks for staying tuned and for listening this week. We’ll keep bringing great music that you can hear locally, in Chicago. This week’s lineup: Dawes,... [Read more]
Band of Hosers
Bridwell smokes during a song Band of Horses, this is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you. You blew it. Stunk up the joint. Laid an egg. I call them a personal favorite. When I saw Band of Horses perform in Memphis, I was proud to have introduced them to two friends for the first time – they were impressed and so was I. Naturally, I was excited to see them again, this time... [Read more]
The Soft Pack: A Review, in Their Own Words
Prior to the Soft Pack’s Lollapalooza aftershow performance at Schuba’s in Chicago, we spoke with front man Matt Lamkin and bass player David Lantzman about their Lolla performance. It sounded like a smashing success, confirming what one Sound Citizen reader told us — that the Soft Pack “was worth the price of admission” that day. Lantzman also told us that it was probably... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 15: Coast to Coast
Sound Citizen Radio is back. After a long few weeks on hiatus, we’re ready to rock again. This week we feature four bands who span coast-to-coast, with four wildly different sounds — and we think that’s a good thing. Make sure to mark them on your calendar. This week’s lineup: Menomena, “TAOS” Metro, Saturday, September 25 Wavves, “King of the Beach” Lincoln... [Read more]
Interview: Nneka, Nigeria’s New Messenger
Mike Phillips, Nneka and Gary Once it was confirmed that I would be interviewing Nneka for Sound Citizen, I started my research. I watched previous interviews, listened to her music and plowed through Wikipedia for information on her homeland of Nigeria. When I was done, I felt like I just crammed for a political science final exam. Nneka was shaping up to be a political, emotional tornado, expressing... [Read more]
WOW: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Freelance Whales
By Jocelyn Geboy (Video included) Love at first sight — catching the eye of someone on a train or across the room at a party and being instantly smitten. Love at first listen — hearing a band for the first time and knowing without a shadow of a doubt that I’ll be at their next show (and the next and the next), I’ll buy their next album and, even though I haven’t even heard... [Read more]
Lollapalooza Review: Mumford & Sons
Recently, we advised you get to know Mumford & Sons. Hopefully, you did. And hopefully, you then decided to go see them at Lollapalooza. We did. As expected, they had an incredible live set. (Video below) What was unexpected was the following behind Mumford & Sons. Turning the corner to the Playstation stage I was fairly shocked to see the Mumford crowd extend into the lawn for the Budweiser... [Read more]
Rage Against the Machine Reuinite!
Rage Against the Machine reunited, playing for the first time in 10 years in front of their home-town crowd in Los Angeles this week. The show was a benefit to support those opposed to the controversial Arizona immigration law. The results were explosive, as is the norm for a Rage show. Rage has been a favorite ever since I first heard them in college. Then, when I saw them live, they entered into... [Read more]
Get to Know Mumford & Sons
We’ve been talking about Mumford & Sons – both here on Sound Citizen and over beers this summer in Chicago – for a couple of months now. But then it dawned on me that I have yet to really post something exclusively about them. That’s just lame. So here it is. I like music with conviction, creativity and in the interests of the common man. Mumford & Sons, I like. I like... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 14: Pitchfork Preview
It’s Pitchfork Music Festival time in Chicago. Like every year, dozens of great bands are ready to rock. So, this week on Sound Citizen Radio we preview four bands that will be playing over the weekend, along with a bonus band playing in two weeks at Empty Bottle. Don’t forget to subscribe to Sound Citizen Radio here, or on iTunes by searching “Sound Citizen” and, as always,... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 13: Happy 4th!
Welcome back to Sound Citizen Radio. It’s Fourth of July weekend, meaning it’s time to kick off your shoes, sit in the sun, sip a cold one and, of course, take in some music. This week we feature three bands with shows over this holiday weekend, and they’re all Chicago folk. Not included, but recommended is The Streets on Fire at Double Door on July 2. Send any future Sound Citizen... [Read more]
Jace Everett Concert Review, Chicago
(Video below) If you don’t know Jace Everett, you’re not alone. But if you watch True Blood, you know Jace Everett. He’s responsible for the intro song to the popular vampire HBO series. But, as you’ll soon find out, he has plenty more to offer. We took in his show at Martyr’s in Chicago and soon discovered that he’s a country boy at heart but, true to True Blood,... [Read more]
Lollapalooza 2010 Aftershows: More Tough Choices
Lollapalooza has released the schedule of aftershows for 2010 — and just like Lollapalooza itself, there are several difficult choices to make. It’s shocking and unfortunate that each night, every show has a conflicting schedule. Wouldn’t it be nice to see one show, then head to another? Not going to happen. Let’s start with Thursday, August 5: Devo, with Dirty Projectors are... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 12: Summer Sounds
This edition of Sound Citizen Radio (at the bottom of this post) is all about summertime. As such, we present four bands with songs that should fit nicely into your summer playlists, and three of them have outdoor Chicago concerts coming up. It’s summer concert season in Chicago, so stay tuned for future episodes of Sound Citizen Radio to make sure you don’t miss out. Don’t forget... [Read more]
2010 Lollapalooza Schedule: Thoughts and Decisions
The day-by-day 2010 Lollapalooza schedule has been released. And that means some tough decisions need to be made, especially if you’re not going for the entire weekend. But even if you do go for all three days, the constant congestion of walking paths and sprawling distance between the main two stages means there is little time to bounce around stages when two of your favorites are playing close... [Read more]
Vote for Sound Citizen as a Chicago Reader “Best”
First, let me thank you all for being supporters of Sound Citizen. I love this website, and I love Chicago and music. But without people such as yourselves, all of it would be meaningless. You’re waiting for a “catch” aren’t you? Well here it is: Chicago Reader is running their “Best of Chicago 2010″ contest and I would be downright indebted if you would help earn... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 11: Hideout, Kitchen, Hall
Welcome to another edition of Sound Citizen Radio. This week we celebrate three of our favorite Chicago music venues in The Hideout, Beat Kitchen and Lincoln Hall. The past two weeks on SoundCitizen.com we reviewed Local Natives, interviewed and reviewed Clem Snide and made some Austin City Limits recommendations. Check them out after listening to the podcast! And GO BLACKHAWKS! This week’s lineup: Jonny... [Read more]
Clem Snide: Concert Review, Exclusive Interview
I’d say it was about five years ago when I first heard Clem Snide. It was on a former girlfriend’s iPod. Well, she’s long gone but Clem Snide remains. However, it didn’t always look that way — I thought I lost them both. Clem Snide went through a significant rough patch and eventually broke up. But they got back together (they say the first one never sticks, you know?)... [Read more]
Austin City Limits 2010 Lineup Announced
It’s that time again, and Austin City Limits has announced its 2010 lineup. First impressions? Like most music festivals these days, I’m finding the most value in the so-called second- and third-tier acts. Although I would very much like to see Flaming Lips (as they bagged Memphis in May) and Spoon. Well, I guess The Strokes, too. As far as the rest, there are some genuine gems —... [Read more]
Local Natives Concert Review and Tour Dates
(VIDEO INCLUDED) Schuba’s is one of those venues where you can often see a band on their way to the top. The list is long and littered with famous bands that were just breaking out when they made their stop at Schuba’s and often, they never find their way back because they just get too popular for such a small (albeit storied) venue. Such is the case with Local Natives. We were turned on... [Read more]
Sound Citizen Radio 10-4, Good Buddies
Time for more Sound Citizen Radio! Once again we’ve outdone ourselves with not three, but FOUR great songs from FOUR great bands (at the bottom of this post.) We’ve had a great couple of weeks here, including a trip down to Memphis for the Beale St. Music Festival. You can read about Memphis in May right here. This week a few of us are headed to see a new favorite in Local Natives and an... [Read more]
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